The claims of three SkyMall gadgets

Nano-UV Wand

Zadro Products, Inc.

The SkyMall ad for the Nano UV-Wand claims that the device "kills 99.99% of bacteria and viruses in 10 seconds." It costs about $100. The bottom line: The Nano-UV wand at least passes the basic plausibility test, says Kalmia Kniel, associate professor of food parasitology and virology at the University of Delaware in Newark. Kniel co-authored a 2008 study showing that UV-C light could kill hepatitis A and other viruses on lettuce, green onions and strawberries. Although the Nano-UV wand would undoubtedly kill some germs on foods, Kniel says that it would be extremely difficult to reach every nook and cranny where germs can hide.

The SkyMall ad for the Nano UV-Wand claims that the device "kills 99.99% of bacteria and viruses in 10 seconds." It costs about $100. The bottom line: The Nano-UV wand at least passes the basic plausibility test, says Kalmia Kniel, associate professor of food parasitology and virology at the University of Delaware in Newark. Kniel co-authored a 2008 study showing that UV-C light could kill hepatitis A and other viruses on lettuce, green onions and strawberries. Although the Nano-UV wand would undoubtedly kill some germs on foods, Kniel says that it would be extremely difficult to reach every nook and cranny where germs can hide. (Zadro Products, Inc.)